Now
Boaz went up to the gate and sat down there, and behold, the close relative of
whom Boaz spoke was passing by, so he said, "Turn aside, friend, sit down
here." And he turned aside and sat down. He took ten men of the elders of
the city and said, "Sit down here." So they sat down. Then he said to
the closest relative, "Naomi, who has come back from the land of Moab, has
to sell the piece of land which belonged to our brother Elimelech.”
The ancient city of Bethlehem was walled to protect
its inhabitants from attack or invasions of enemies. The gates of the city,
like those in other cities at that time, served as a place to deal with public
affairs, legal issues and civil actions. It was at the city gates that the elders
or judges of the town held their court (Deuteronomy 16:18) and it was a
convenient meeting place (2 Samuel 15:2).
Boaz waited as the men gathered at the city gate.
Here comes Ruth’s closer relative. Come and sit. We have something to discuss.
There had to be ten Jewish men to witness what Boaz was about to say. Five
came, then another. Boaz may have greeted each man at the gate. Benjamin,
please come and sit at the city gate—hurry, Jacob and Caleb, there is business
to be done. Greetings Jeroham, please join us. One more is needed—who will it
be? God will provide. Ah, Shalom, Micah. Do you have time to council with us
this morning? The sun is rising higher in the sky as the men discuss Naomi’s
land and Ruth’s future. Boaz must wait for Ruth and Naomi’s closer relative’s
decision.
We have to wait for decisions sometimes—life is not
always instantaneous. If you have ever been to court, you have to wait your
turn for your case to be heard. And if you are called to serve on a jury the
waiting that is involved with the jury selections process is insurmountable.
Patience is required because by law if you receive a jury notice, you must be
there; there is nowhere else to be. Spiritually Jesus has called Himself the
gate—the gate to heaven. No one can enter except through Him (John 10:9). In
John 14:16, Jesus said…"I am the
way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.
So have you come to know the Father through Jesus?
Lord God, We praise
you for patience You give us as we wait for others to make decisions that
affect our lives. Thank you for giving us Jesus to be the spiritual gate that
allows us into Heaven.
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